The Defiant Ones
Michael Love
October 12, 2008
The world of politics. To many people, it’s a source of boredom; me, I tend to try and keep up to date with the stuff – a general habit of mine, you see? Not enough to actually vote though…
Anyway, I recently learned of a drive on Xbox Live (by a group called Rock the Vote) to bolster interest in the US Presidential elections among young potential voters; this was partly done by granting the ability to register for the vote and partly by surveying people about the candidates.
The idea caught my interest. It says to me that gaming, as well as the sheer number of people who play, are being given a voice, given legitimacy in the things that really matter. A huge development, wouldn’t you say? And yet, I wonder. Whilst I think it is a positive change of perspective, not least because of the scare stories some political heavyweights spout about our pastime, there is a tiny cynical voice whispering in my ear. It says to me that the idea is based on the assumption that gamers are young people – those who would be thought to normally shy away from such topics – and no other group. Not only that, but the assumption that young people universally baulk at matters that can shape their world in a myriad of ways.
Though the cynic sitting on my shoulder may have a point, I am pleased that such a development has taken place and wonder what it, as a potential precedent, means for the future. It is one thing to be mainstream as a hobby, a means of entertainment, it is another to be seen as a force for change.Â
October 12th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I don’t have statistics to hand, but I’d wager that it’s statistically true that younger people vote less than older people, and that’s why they want younger people such as gamers to get involved.
Personally I’m proud to have voted in every general election I’ve been entitled to vote in, as I’m a firm believer in “if you don’t vote, you’ve got no right to complain”…
Of course, it’s not much of a consolation when the party you didn’t vote for gets in and ruins everything, but you can at least complain legitimately.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
In the US, voter apathy amongst the young is endemic.
Bread and circuses, disenfranchisement, and the appearance of futility in democracy all contribute to the problem.
In N. Ireland, as in the rest of the world, a vote is too precious to waste. If you don’t like the candidates/parties spoil your vote instead of not casting it.
After all, ours is the first generation (in N. Ireland) to have been entitled to vote upon reaching eighteen regardless of wealth or property.
It is a right that must be protected.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I was at an event the other day with 6 other people all about my age. I was suprised when two of them started to have an indepth conversation about the US election and one was saying he is very excited to be going over to the US for his birthday to be there for the outcome.
At first I felt it was maybe a bit too much interest to show in US politics but actually they had a point in saying that America can wield so much power now that we all have a role to play in keeping up to date with their politics and making our opinions heard too. we may not be able to vote directly but we can have in impact by showing support.
Having said that I’m still not really keeping up with it all, I am super lazy after all.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I’ve voted in every election since I was old enough – I think not to do so is squandering the efforts of those that fought for the vote. Voter apathy is a big problem everywhere but I think it’s more down to the problem of awful or untrustworthy politicians and the feeling that it doesn’t matter what you do, than lack of awareness.
October 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Skill – I feel that, in our country, there is/has been far too much squabbling among the various parties for a vote to actually mean anything; oh, they’re in business, oh, they’re suspended…
I find that, among Americans (that are gamers), there is an incredible amount of debate going on – it may not be representative of the group as a whole (ranging from maybe 16 to the occasional 30/40-something) but it does seem to belie the apathy image.